Let’s spring clean!
The weather is quickly getting warmer and outside entertaining has already begun for us in Las Vegas. But, for most people in the country the weather is perfect for spring cleaning your backyard and getting it ready for the first party of the year.
My husband and I love to have friends and family over all year round and enjoy our backyard. Sometimes we have friends over for a simple dessert night instead of making a big dinner. It is easy and fun to get everyone together and enjoy the spring and summer evenings.
Every March we start by sprucing up the backyard. Here’s how we like to spring clean!
Clean up shrubs and trees
First we pick up all the dead leaves and branches in the front and backyard.
We trim all the shrubs and trees so that the green will start to appear as soon as possible.
Empty all the dead planter pots around the yard and start the spring off with fresh fruit trees or flowers.
My children love to help clean up the back yard, especially if I make them some lemonade after their chores.
Clean off your patio and furniture.
We always spray the patio and wash the chairs. Getting bird poop off is no fun, but it is a must. No one wants to be wearing a new summer dress and get it dirty from an unclean chair.
We also sweep off the patio after cleaning to remove any thorns or pesky bugs.
I use the hose and dish soap to clean off the patio and chairs.
Now it’s time for the fun part!
Decor
A good spring clean isn’t complete without some cute decor! Decorating your backyard with plants, flowers, colorful table clothes and furniture is the best part.
I love succulents and they are super easy to keep alive. I water mine 1-2 times a week in the summer.
I got this gold pot at Anthropologie for under $15. I also LOVE the options here!
Music
I am obsessed with my record player from Urban Outfitters. It was a Christmas present from my husband but I know it was under $100. They come in several colors. You can find cute ones on Amazon like this one!
My Mom and Dad have a lot of vinyl records and shared a few with me. As a child we would dance around the record player late into the night singing as loud as possible. I want my children to love music as much as I do. I found a great record store in Vegas that has been around for 25 years and sales new and used vinyls. My latest finds were Johnny Cash, Van Morrison and ABBA. My kids love listening to the records outside. Music on summer evenings is everything.
Flowers
I love flowers. They can brighten any occasion and are not that expensive if you buy them at a farmers market or Trader Joes.
Candles
You can buy citronella candles to keep annoying bugs away.
The glass candle holders can hang in a tree or be used for table decor. I got them at World Market for under $7. The Small ones were $3. The table cloth was also from World Market on clearance.
Lighting
Hanging the lights is my husbands job. Sometimes I have to keep an eye on him because he wants to be like Clark Grizwald and hang a million lights. I like the big bulbs. You can get them anywhere: Target, World Market, Walmart etc.
Let’s get the spring cleaning party started!
We decided to have a big Easter party this year and get all of our friends together to enjoy this beautiful time of year. We had such an amazing evening and everyone helped with the food. I normally don’t ask my friends to bring food but because they all offered to help, I let them. I have to admit it made it less stressful and I had more time to decorate.
The best part of the evening is when everyone has had enough food and it is time to sit and enjoy each others company.
We even let Iris out of the coop to enjoy the party.
I hope this will get you so excited for the summer parties you will be throwing in your backyard.
What spring cleaning or decorating tips do you have for getting your backyard beautified for entertaining summer?
Ashley
Missy says
I love those big lights too! The problem is I don’t have any trees – still trying to figure out a way to make them work in my backyard. I also love succulents on the patio – it is the only thing I can keep alive in a pot. As soon as it quits raining I’m heading out to clean out the winter mess- thanks for the inspiration. 🙂 Where did you get your picnic table? I have been looking for a replacement for my weathered (and falling apart) wooden one.
Ashley says
I looked forever for a good picnic table. I finally found this one at Costco for $130. I want another. It is really nice to have. Thank you for your comment.
Ashley says
Thanks Missy!! I was looking forever for a picnic table too. I finally found it at Costco. It was $130. I love Costco. Thanks for your comment. Happy Mother’s Day.
MIKEY says
Great tips. Love the lighting!
Kristi says
Thanks for the tips – you are motivating me to get our yard cleaned up. The Goodwill is also a good place to pick up great vinyl…
Joanne says
Having a party is a great motivating factor to pitch in and make the back yard beautiful. Might be a good idea to do it in the Spring and Fall. The lights and tables look great.
The chickens are growing fast! They seem very tame.
Rachel says
Your backyard looks so cheerful and cozy. I want to get the big bulb lights immediately. My favorite thing in the world is enjoying the summer nights outside.
Laura says
I love your backyard! This gets me excited to get my yard ready for Memorial Day weekend. I wish I had some tips to add, but unfortunately we always hire someone to get our yard ready. I really need to start using my kids more!
Laura says
Also, One Kings Lane has some really cool outdoor lights right now!
Ashley says
I’ll have to check them at at One Kings. Thanks for your comment:)
chaeysa says
Can’t hose down the patio in Southern California due to drought. That’s a very wasteful practice. Use a spray bottle and brush for unsightly spots (i.e. bird poop) and just sweep with a coarse broom. For furniture, brush off any cobwebs and use a wet rag.
Ashley says
That’s a great idea!! I’ll have to try that. We have a lot of rules here in Las Vegas too. We try to hose the patio off quickly and then sweep with the water off. Thank you for your comment.
Papino says
That actually looked like a lot of fun! It is great to have your children work with you. When they do they will help to keep it cleaned up all summer, because they worked to get it that way. I love the lights in the trees and the fresh flowers on the tables. Not to mention, the added decor of “Iris”. Thanks!
Libby says
Beautiful backyard! Very inspiring for me as I must get in my backyard and clean it up with some stylish decor. The party looked amazing. Love the lights!
Susie says
Great ideas to spruce up the patio/deck. I love the lights! I will have to show my husband your pictures! Thank you so much!
Darleen says
Love the idea of add decor to an outside setting. I always forget to add the simple things like tablecloth, flowers and music!
Sara says
Love it! We’re doing a ton of work in our yard but this reminds me to keep up with the basics too!
Heather says
Great backyard and beautiful party! I love the record player, I think my husband needs to get me one.
I too love the lights! Where did you get them?
Kathleen says
Helo there,
I so enjoyed your getting ready for summer. My family is also in Henderson, NV and we love hanging out in the backyard and entertaining. Thanks for the great tips.
Have a wonderful summer.
Ella says
Good job! It’s wonderful to have good helpers, too, then all can enjoy the “fruits of their labors!”